Patriots to sign Enfield native Matt Mulligan

Enfield native Matt Mulligan is expected to sign a contract with the New England Patriots, according to report on bostonherald.com, after the team conducted a workout with the former University of Maine football player on Sunday.

Mulligan, who was one of the final cuts of the Green Bay Packers, has earned a reputation as a strong blocking tight end and could fill a roster spot vacated when the Patriots cut fullback James Develin on Monday.

Mulligan joins Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui and rookie Zach Sudfeld as tight ends for the Patriots, but Gronkowski is still working his way back into the lineup after recovering from back surgery. He worked out in pads for the first time on Sunday.

The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Mulligan played for the St. Louis Rams last season after spending the previous three seasons with the New York Jets. He was also a regular on the punt return and kickoff return units for the Rams and used that special-teams play to establish himself with the Jets.

Mulligan, 28, has built an impressive pro resume, especially for a young man who attended Penobscot Valley High School in Howland, which does not even field a football team.

Mulligan first put on the shoulder pads and helmet at Husson University in Bangor, then took his game to another level during three seasons at the University of Maine.

In the NFL, Mulligan has 14 receptions for 144 yards, including a touchdown.